Bidirectional Onboard Chargers for Electric Vehicles: State-of-the-Art and Future Trends

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are vital in the transition toward a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. However, the widespread adoption of EVs currently depends on the convenience of the charging process and the availability of their charging infrastructure. Consequently, onboard chargers (OBCs), offering an ac-charging solution built into most EVs, have gained significant attention. Furthermore, bidirectional OBCs enable reverse power flow, whereby the EV battery can be used to power various devices, homes, or even the electric grid. However, as the trend towards bidirectional OBCs becomes evident, new power converter design challenges arise, intensifying the need for high-efficiency, compact and cost-competitive solutions. This article extensively reviews the state-of-the-art bidirectional on-board chargers by analyzing over 500 publications, identifying the key trends, challenges, and research opportunities that will influence the development of next-generation bidirectional OBCs. Hence, various strategies to achieve cutting-edge performance are deducted. This includes the rise of high-voltage batteries, the integration of powertrains, the growing adoption of wide-bandgap semiconductors, and the use of integrated planar magnetic components, all aiming to enhance efficiency and power density. This article is accompanied by a CSV file recording all pertinent references to support future research, statistical analysis, and other contributions.